South Georgia & the Falklands

An In-Depth Immersion in the Wildlife Spectacle of the Southern Ocean Islands

Steeped in the lore of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the whalers who plied these rugged coastlines, South Georgia explodes with some of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Our expedition ships lead you to beaches where stately king penguins stretch to the horizon. Meet gentoo and macaroni penguins, too, and share a sandy stretch with 8,000-pound battling elephant seals. Wade through tussock grass along a hillside dotted with nesting albatross, paddle a kayak alongside curious fur seals, and weave among blue, sperm, fin, sei and southern right whales on a Zodiac as icebergs bob past. And there’s the enigma of subantarctic human habitation to explore too, from the feisty history of steamships heading around Cape Horn to friendly modern Falklanders who continue to evoke a Scottish ambience on their island outpost with fine sheep wool farming and the ritual of cozy afternoon tea.

Trip Highlights

On rugged South Georgia, walk amid tens of thousands of king penguins, watch Magellanic penguins peek from their burrows, and see Weddell and Antarctic fur seals

Admire the Falklands' endangered black-browed albatross, with 70 percent of the world population breeding here, and explore the capital of Stanley, steeped in Scottish heritage

Hike in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose famed expedition was beset by tragedy in 1914, and experience his tale of survival at the site where all were saved in 1916

Sail with the World Leader in Conservation-Focused Small Ship Cruising

We’re proud to offer a worldwide slate of Adventure Cruises through our partner Lindblad Expeditions. Nat Hab joined forces with Lindblad in 2016 to expand our mutual collection of nature adventures. Founded in 1958 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company pioneered eco-conscious expeditions for “citizen explorers" and today is the world leader in conservation-focused small-ship cruises. Our Adventure Specialists are intimately familiar with the ships and itineraries and are on call to answer any questions you might have. What makes this expedition stand out? Take a look:

An In-Depth Encounter with the Wildlife Spectacles of the Southern Ocean
For travelers who may have already visited the ice-bound reaches of Antarctica, this is a fresh opportunity for immersion in the incredible wildlife experiences of the Southern Ocean islands that often get a less in-depth investigation en route to points farther south. Penguins are the most enticing draw, and this itinerary offers extended time and attention with gentoo, Adelie, chinstrap, rockhopper, macaroni and king penguins that inhabit these islands on a staggering scale.

A Top Team of Experts & Amenities to Enhance Your Exploration
The combination of a small expedition ship, ample tools like Zodiacs and kayaks for close-up exploration, and an experienced leadership team assure an engaging and immersive experience. Travel with an Expedition Leader, eight naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker and an undersea specialist who scuba-dives into the icy waters to share underwater images during your voyage. Plus, the ship’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) brings back underwater images from up to 1,000 feet deep—farther than any diver can go.

Enjoy Flexibility to Follow Whales and Other Wildlife
With many decades and hundreds of expeditions' worth of experience, our captain, Expedition Leader and shipboard staff are able to deliver an unparalleled experience, with flexibility a hallmark of our style. That means that when a pod of orcas or fin, humpback, minke or sperm whales appear, our captain will re-route or halt the ship to give you a close-up view on all the action.

Travel with a National Geographic Photographer
With massive rookeries, downy chicks and endless parades on display, penguins are the highlight of South Georgia and Falklands photography. Add Weddell and crabeater seals, a rebounding population of Antarctic fur seals, and the breathtaking sight of the albatross in flight, with the world’s largest wingspan, and your wildlife photo opportunities are unparalleled. A National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor accompany every expedition. These pros are at your side to provide composition advice, camera tips and other photography skills that ensure you’ll go home with outstanding images.

Meet Local Residents of the Falkland Islands
With time to focus on the Southern Ocean islands, this voyage offers a chance to meet the welcoming Falklanders and experience a slice of daily life enjoyed by the islands' 2,500 residents in this far-flung corner of the world. The history of the Falklands is steeped in intrigue, from whaling stations to the islands' status as a ship-repair port after rough Drake Passage voyages, to refueling steamships bound for Cape Horn and the epic tale of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition terminus. Walk in Shackleton’s footsteps, then settle in for a spot of “cream tea” and conversation about raising some of the world’s finest wool.

We’re Committed to the Planet
Natural Habitat Adventure is a standard-setter in eco-conscious travel. We were the world’s first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. And we continue to break innovative ground in adopting practices that help to protect our global environment. Because of our concern for the environment, we are pleased to partner with Lindblad Expeditions for our Adventure Cruises, a company that shares our values and commitment to the planet.

Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our environmental commitment and the outstanding quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund has chosen Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation we’re very proud of! When you book your Lindblad Expeditions cruise with us, a portion of your trip fee supports WWF.

Discover Arctic wildlife, indigenous cultures, and some of the most dramatic glaciated landscapes on the planet on an expedition voyage in the path of polar explorers. (Itineraries vary)
9–24 Days / Jun – Sep / From $6990